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Wetland Guardian's 19 Years: From Teacher to 'Living Map'
28 Aug
Summary
- A Tibetan ranger became a 'living map' of the Zoige Wetland.
- Black-necked crane numbers rose, indicating healthy grasslands.
- Protected species count doubled, with cranes reclassified from endangered.
Sonam Dorchi, an ethnic Tibetan, has dedicated 19 years to conserving the Zoige Wetland National Nature Reserve in Sichuan province. He began his conservation journey in 2007, initially relying on extensive fieldwork to map nesting sites and wetlands, earning him the nickname 'living map'.
Monitoring cameras were installed in 2019, aiding his work. However, fieldwork remains crucial. Dorchi and his colleagues conduct annual surveys, counting cranes and checking nests. The reserve also employs around 200 local herders as rangers, fostering community involvement and providing economic benefits.
The health of the black-necked crane, a species with specific habitat needs, serves as an indicator for the wetland's condition. Conservation success is evident, with the number of protected species increasing significantly and the black-necked crane downgraded from 'endangered' to 'near threatened'.
Dorchi is actively passing on his knowledge to younger colleagues and even his son, ensuring the continuity of conservation efforts. This generational transfer of knowledge highlights the sustained commitment to protecting the Zoige Wetland and its diverse wildlife.
